Muscles cramps, colloquially known as a charley horse, are a common, painful ailment. While not usually considered serious, the sudden contraction of the muscle, or spasm, can cause serious discomfort and temporarily interfere with function. In some cases, muscle cramps may be a sign of a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Muscle cramps can occur anywhere in the body, but most frequently occur in the legs, affecting the calf, hamstring or quadriceps muscles.
Causes of Muscle Cramps
There are several causes of muscle cramps, which are more common in individuals who are pregnant, overweight, elderly, or have certain medical problems, such as diabetes, or thyroid, nerve or liver disorders. Muscle cramps may be caused by:
- Dehydration
- Muscle loss or weakness
- Certain medications, such as diuretics
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Poor circulation
- Nerve compression
- Muscle breakdown because of a metabolic disorder (rhabdomyolysis)
Athletes, particularly those who overexert themselves in warm weather, or who do not stretch properly prior to exercise, are at increased danger of developing muscle cramps. The elderly, in addition to being prone to dehydration, have decreased muscle mass because of their age, making their muscles more susceptible to injury.
Treatment of Muscle Cramps
Home remedies are normally sufficient to relieve muscle cramps or the resulting tightness and pain. Applied heat or a hot shower is often helpful, as are massage and light stretches. Typically, muscle cramps resolve on their own within a few hours or days. Medical consultation is only necessary if:
- Pain continues after home treatment
- There are noticeable skin changes
- The leg or other affected body part swells
- There is ongoing muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps happen repeatedly
- Muscle cramps occur for no known reason
For most people, muscle cramps are an occasional, short-lived annoyance, but, since they may be a sign of a serious medical condition, it is important to check with a physician if muscle cramps are abnormally frequent or otherwise troublesome.
What is your body lacking when you have severe leg cramps?
Minerals and electrolytes
Some of these important substances include calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Inadequate diet, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea are just some of the factors that are thought to disturb the body's balance of minerals and electrolytes, and make muscles more susceptible to cramping.
What can cause muscles to lock up?
- fatigue.
- stress.
- high humidity.
- extreme heat.
- extreme cold.
- infection.
- clothing that's too tight.
What can I drink for leg cramps?
High-sodium sports drinks are specifically formulated with various salts to help prevent cramping. It is important to note that when high levels of plain water are consumed alone, blood sodium levels can dip too low, and a dangerous situation known as hyponatremia can occur.
How do I stop leg cramps ASAP?
Muscle cramps can be painful, but they're usually short-lived and not a cause for concern. Self-care like stretching, heat, and massage can help with discomfort in the moment, while stretching and drinking enough water may prevent cramps from happening.
What are some strong natural muscle relaxers?
- Magnesium. ...
- Curcumin. ...
- Pomegranate juice. ...
- Arnica. ...
- Capsaicin. ...
- Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. ...
- Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is a popular home remedy for muscle pain. ...
- Lemongrass. Some people use lemongrass oil or tea to treat arthritic joint pain and inflammation.
What are some typical pharmacologic muscle relaxers?
When going the natural way doesn't do the trick, some stronger muscle relaxers are available requiring a doctors prescription, and here a few of them:
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Baclofen (Lioresal)
Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
Carisoprolol (Soma)
Botulism Toxin Injections (Botox)
